The Mary Book Reader

Monday, March 30, 2015

Most women know that God loves them, but might he love them more if they finally lost that last ten pounds, or got their hair to lay right, or finally found a pair of jeans that looked good and let them breathe? Well, maybe God doesn’t care about jeans, but women do, and all the talk about inner beauty hasn’t kept all of us from staring into a mirror and taking an inventory that never quite measures up. Enough Already will:

Elevate the soul-freeing, spiritual truth that God is the Creator of beauty and that women are called to appreciate and care for themselves as his own.

Enable women to accept God-given beauty so that when they look in the mirror they see his handiwork, not their flaws.

Barbara Roose is an African-American, wife, mother, and pastor with a passion for creatively communicating God’s truths in a manner that is relevant and easy for people to apply to their lives. In February 2002, she joined the staff at Cedar Creek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio. Currently, she is the Directional Leader and Pastor of Spiritual Formation. For the past eight years, she has had the privilege to serve as periodic teaching pastor to 10,000 (average) weekly attendees. Since 2010, she has spoken at various women’s conferences in the U.S. and Honduras. In October 2012, she was a guest speaker for best-selling author and former Women of Faith speaker, Nicole Johnson’s Seasons Weekend Experience. Barbara and her husband, Matt, have been married 21 years and live in Toledo, Ohio.

What an encouraging and inspiring read. I don't know a woman who does not need to read this book.

Packed full of wisdomin every chapter. I can't wait to share this book with some of my close friends.

If you are like me and love to give gifts to your girl friends for no reason, This should be your next gift it is going to touch her life and change her life in a positive way.

God made you just the way he wanted you now find out how to embrace that in this wisdom filled book.

I gave this book 4 stars and recommend it, it's a great gift book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love. When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

Written with such great detail. I never put this book down, this is an author to watch out for. Landsem writes with such detail you would never guess you were reading a book, you feel like you are right there.

A real Bible based book that pulls you in, and lets you wish you were here when Jesus walked on this earth.

This is a book that is sure to hold your attention until the very end.

I can't wait to read more by this author.

I gave this book 5 stars and recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

When trouble roars into quiet Arborville, Alexa and Anna-Grace find themselves the target for discord and exposed secrets. Can they continue to seek the God of all grace amidst the fog of confusion? Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas will ever fully accept her. Her family roots here aren’t what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she’s operating needs to succeed so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder not knowing his real motives for being amongst the Plain folk. But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa’s insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths. Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving, heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, with husband Don and their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and ten grandchildren.

I flipped over this book. I LOVED the characters and could relate to them on a friend level. I almost cried when it ended. Vogel is such a talented author and she just keeps getting better and better with each book. I love her writing Amish fiction now.

Wait until you read this book and find out what happens to Anna Grace and Alexa. I really love what Anna Grace decides to do with her soon to be husband about moving to a town she is just not sure about with its huge secret it holds. This is a must read.

I really liked book one and this one did not disappoint at all, it's even better.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, March 27, 2015

In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes. That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”? A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

Sandra Byrd is a noted author of historical fiction, including the first book in her Tudor series, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. She lives near Seattle, Washington. Visit SandraByrd.com.

The characters are easy to connect with in Byrd's lasts Historical read. It is not your same old historical read, it has some depth and a little twist you don't see in most books in this genre. Hint Hint it has to do with identity theft.

This was a good rainy day weekend read. You are sure to get wrapped up in it.

I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend this book for fans of Jane Eyre

I was given a copy of this book by Wynn Wynn Media for my honest review.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Graduation is a time of excitement and uncertainty. For graduates the question is, will they face the future with or without God? Let the Journey Beginrepack is filled with godly wisdom, encouragement, and guidance from bestselling and trusted author Max Lucado for students about to embark on new steps in their life journey. Graduates will be reassured that they are not alone—God is with them every step of their way.

This bestselling book will include thirty-two additional pages of new content, all consisting of excerpts, quotes, and scripture as well as an updated interior design to appeal to a new generation of graduates. Included are pages for personal goals, favorite verses of scripture, and prayers.

In just under two decades of writing, Max Lucado has accomplished more than most writers hope for in a lifetime. Most of his books have appeared on one or more best seller lists, including those published by the "New York Times," "USA Today," "Publishers Weekly," and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). Aside from hardcover books, Lucado's writings have also been published as children's books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, music CDs, mass paperback booklets, apparel, giftware, bookmarks, calendars, study Bibles, workbooks, curricula, and plush products. In spring 2003, Hallmark/Dayspring Cards launched a new gift card line featuring excerpts from Lucado's writings--and has already sold more than one million cards. All this success has drawn more than a little attention to a previously low-profile Texas author and minister. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including "USA Today," "Larry King Live," and "NBC Nightly News." He has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. He has traveled with internationally renowned musicians as a special speaker on their music tours, such as the highly successful "Come Together & Worship Tour" (sponsored by Chevrolet) with Grammy Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Third Day. Journey to the TopLucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields. Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side. Secret to Success From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

This is a wonderful gift book for the Graduates in your life. I love the verses of scripture, and the Charting your Course at the end of the book there is a place to write down all of your goals. The daily reading is much needed for teens this day and time. It is sure to inspire them. This is such a wonderful book for those grads beginning their life journey.

I gave this book 5 stars and I love the wisdom on every page. I plan to give this book as graduation gifts this year.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Every Trial Is an Opportunity to FlourishIn football, a blitz is an all-out attack. Defenses use them to force the quarterback into a mistake and create mayhem and destruction. But by its nature the blitz also creates an opportunity for the quarterback and his team, as it leaves holes in the defense. What looks like the worst play can become the best.During a life "blitz," when everything seems like it's collapsing--financially, relationally, spiritually, or physically--if you take initiative you can do more than just survive. You can grow, succeed, and advance. In Facing the Blitz,Jeff Kemp shares lessons he's learned through all kinds of life blitzes, both personal and professional. Discover how life is about transformation and being others-oriented; having the right mind-set can turn unnecessary fear and misery into courage and joy.No matter who you are--men, women, sports fans, business leaders, etc.--this book is about the things that matter in your life. Don't end up flat on your back when trouble comes. Learn to seize opportunities to flourish and grow. Includes end-of-chapter questions for assessment and application. Find out more at Home - Facing the Blitz

Jeff Kemp speaks at churches, men's ministry events, corporate conferences, and prayer breakfasts. In 2012 Jeff joined FamilyLife as a vice president, speaking at thirty-five events a year about how to strengthen families. His other networks include the Marriage CoMission and Fatherhood CoMission, Athletes in Action, NFL Players Association, and The Jack Kemp Foundation. He and his wife, Stacy, live in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Kemp uses the example of a football blitz in place of life trails and tribulation. Sports fans and non sports fans alike will find this to be an easy read. I found that the author didn't overload the book with football terms and strategies. I liked that not only did he explain how to face a blitz in life but also described how the supporting cast of friends and family play their part in overcoming a tribulation. The author puts a great emphasis on what kind of people should fill your life. Not all relationships are good ones. I found it to be a very uplifting and encouraging read.I gave this book 4 stars. It is well worth the read.I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

You know that thing when you're in Walmart at noon before you discover you haven't brushed your teeth? Sarah Parshall Perry gets that. She also gets weird things showing up in her bed, her daughter asking for war paint, and her son crawling into a giant blue sock on Christmas morning. Mainly, she gets that conflicted feeling of finding her kids hanging out in the dogs' cages and happily realizing they have stopped getting into trouble for a minute.According to Perry, "The hardest stuff is the quickest way to God," and readers get to watch the systematic destruction of her carefully planned life, laughing at her missteps, aching at her tragedies, and recognizing themselves along the way. A mother of three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, she has experienced plenty of ups and downs, but from the chaos of her "ordinary" life she pulls the universal truths of motherhood, addressing them with humor, poignancy, and a naked honesty that will make the reader think, That sounds a lot like my crazy life. Perry helps mothers realize they aren't alone, even if they've fallen off the straight and narrow of their intended path and are instead lying in the ditch next to it. Life's a mess. But as Perry reminds us, it's all for a purpose.Perfect for mothers, this book will encourage, inspire, and enlighten.

Sarah Parshall Perry (JD, University of Virginia School of Law) is a wife and mother of three young children. She is the coauthor of When the Fairy Dust Settles (with her mother, Janet Parshall) and the author of numerous magazine articles, award-winning short stories, and poetry. Sarah has served in youth ministry for over ten years and is currently writing for www.ChosenFamilies.org where she encourages other families living with disabilities. She lives in Maryland.

Written with such wit, comedy, and very encouraging lines that are very easy to relate to. I think all moms should read this book.

I really enjoyed getting away in this book. Perry lets us know that there is no how to parenting books the rules are never the same.

If you are a mom or know a mom that needs a little get away this is the book for you.

I gave this book 4 stars and recommend it. It would make a wonderful gift as well.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Discover along with Jonah Miller how life can begin anew in the prairie state of Illinois. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving heartbreak behind is the best decision Jonah ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets Elaine Schrock? Will his scarred heart mend when she chooses family loyalty over love?

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

I fell in love with Jonah, all he wanted was someone to love. Find out if he ever finds that special someone in Wanda's latest work of art. I did however not like the ending, but that being said it will all take shape in book 2 of the Prairie State Friends series, I'm sure, because Wanda never disappoints.

I did really feel for Elaine and her grandmother, the fact that Elaine put her life on hold for her sick grandmother and all she had to go though was hard. This is a very touching and moving story.

I can't wait for the next book to come out. I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Machines beeping, the blur of medical staff running, a crash cart whizzing into an ICU room, was there any hope? A young woman lay, packed in ice, as doctors attempted to somehow stop the swelling in her brain that threatened to take her life... and her family waited. Six days turned into eight weeks. She awoke to discover that she was not the same. She saw two of everything, couldn't feel half of her face, couldn't hear from one ear, and could not speak. She couldn't even tell anyone that she felt hopeless...or could she? Halo Found Hope is the story of a beautiful, busy wife, and mother of three whose life changes instantly with the diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. An exceptional ENT, a brilliant neurosurgeon and a dedicated medical team tackle the tumor, setting off a series of unbelievable miracles. Helo's story is not one of survival, or of salvaging a life through a broken body. It is not about endurance through pain, but victory because of it. While the family heard her silence, God heard her prayer. Helo's story is simply this: Wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is right there. He doesn't need to be recognized by you, to be there for you. He can replace fear with courage and discouragement with determination, if you let Him. Helo did, and that is how she found hope. www.HaloFoundHope.com

After losing my mother at a very young age to a brain tumor, I just had to read this book.

I cried though most of the book and I cherished every page. Halo gives a super account of everything she went though and how she felt about it all. Halo never gave up and she stayed close to Jesus though it all.

This is a very encouraging book. I really like that Halo is giving a portion of her proceeds from her book sales to the National Brain Tumor Society. I hope that everyone buys a copy and enjoys this very riveting and encouraging book.

Warning: You will NOT be able to put this book down.

I gave this book 4 stars and I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Follow the incredible journey of one piece of paper—a copy of Psalm 23—as it travels around the world, linking lives and hearts with its simple but beautiful message.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…Shortly before a tragic car accident, Kate McConnell wrote down the powerful words of Psalm 23 on a piece of paper for her wayward son. Just before she loses consciousness, Kate wonders if she’s done enough with her life and prays,“Please, let my life count.”Unbeknownst to Kate, her handwritten copy of Psalm 23 soon begins a remarkable journey around the world. From a lonely dry cleaning employee to a soldier wounded in Iraq, to a young Kurdish girl fleeing her country, to a Kenyan runner in the Rome Invitational Marathon, this humble message forever changes the lives of twelve very different people. Eventually, Kate’s paper makes it back to its starting place, and she discovers the unexpected ways that God changes lives, even through the smallest gestures.

Betsy Duffey is a licensed counselor and worked for four years with homeless women, often using writing as a tool for healing. Over the years Betsy has spoken at hundreds of elementary schools and has shared her ideas with countless women’s groups. She lives with her husband in Atlanta, Georgia. They have two grown sons. Betsy and her sister, Laurie Myers, write together as the Writing Sisters.

Laurie Myers has spoken extensively in elementary schools across the nation, sharing her love of reading and writing. She has a passion for helping those in need, working as a nurse, tutoring incarcerated youth, and cofounding an urban school. Laurie lives with her husband in Augusta, Georgia. They have three grown children. Laurie and her sister, Betsy Duffey, write together as the Writing Sisters.

The first chapter starts out with Kate's story and then you get the other 11 people that Kate touches and the last chapter ends with Kate.

this is by far a very intriguing and touching story. Psalm 23 says a lot and you don't want to miss how it touch's these 12 people in this book.

You are going to really enjoy this book. I could not put it down I had to see how this one piece of paper could change so many lives. You will not be the same after you read this book.

It would make a wonderful book club read. It has a reading Guide at the end to help with the book club.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Did you know that most self-help programs that follow the standard success blueprint have a 97% failure rate? The truth is that the typical personal improvement mantra of tapping into your willpower and activating the power of positive thinking is actually a recipe for failure. In Beyond Willpower, bestselling author and psychological counselor Alexander Loyd, PhD, ND, reveals a unique, highly effective program to help you finally achieve the life you want and the success you deserve. Science has proven that stress, or internal fear, is the primary source of virtually any problem we encounter– physical, spiritual, emotional, and even circumstantial. New research has shown that fear is literally programmed into us at the cellular level, which is why most of us are unable to turn off our stress response by willpower alone. For the first time, this book teaches you how to change your cellular programming from fear to love, triggering a natural chemical chain reaction that fuels you for your best success. Rooted in science, ancient wisdom, and proven therapeutic techniques to remove personal obstacles that sabotage us, Beyond Willpower offers a revolutionary 40-day holistic program based on more than 25 years of clinical experience. With this program you will identify and clarify what fundamentally defines success for you. Then you’ll receive the three simple tools you need to internally shift from fear to love physically (using the Energy Medicine tool), mentally (using the Reprogramming Statements tool), and spiritually (using the Heart Screen tool). You'll also have free access to the unprecedented "Success Issues Finder" test, which accurately diagnoses your unconscious and subconscious issues related to success and failure, happiness and unhappiness. No matter how you define success – as wealth, career satisfaction, healing of health issues, or resolution of relationship problems –Beyond Willpower will help you achieve it once and for all, quickly and for the long term.

Alex Loyd, PhD, ND, holds doctorates in psychology and naturopathic medicine. His 12-year search for a cure for his wife's depression led to the discovery in 2001 of The Healing Code's system to heal the source of virtually any physical, emotional, success, or relational issue. Since then his private practice has become the largest of its kind in the world.

Are you fed up with self help books? This is another self help book but the author goes a little deeper and gives you some tools that you don't get in other books. This is not a quick fix but a life change. It is a bit over whelming, so much information, so read it a few times and take your time, take lots of notes.

I feel that a lot of what is being said in this book should have been more from the Bible. Success in life, and love, and happiness, has a lot to do with Bible basics, not everyone with depression and anxiety have to do with drugs and alcohol. I feel that the tools and the basic self help were told in a great way and Doctor Loyd has helped many people with his book the Healing Code and will do the same with this book.

I gave this book 4 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Tara had always imagined her happily ever after. But her fiancé’s secrets are changing this story into one she doesn’t even recognize.

Tara Faulkner and Seth Grissom grew up next door to each other in Savannah’s historic district. Their parents are best friends. They finish each other’s sentences all the time. Their fairytale wedding is a foregone conclusion . . . until Tara discovers another side to Seth three weeks before the wedding.

Reality has crashed in on Tara’s fairytale—but hope will lead her to a future she couldn’t have planned for herself.

Nancy Rue is the best-selling author of more than 100 books for teens, tweens, and adults, two of which have won Christy Awards. Nancy is also a popular speaker and radio guest due to her expertise in tween, teen, and young women's issues. She and her husband, Jim, have raised a daughter of their own and now share their Tennessee lake home with two yellow labs. Website: www.nancyrue.com Twitter: @NNRue Facebook: nnrue

I must say this is a very hard topic, Porn, and dealing with it sounds very hard. Nancy Rue bring us a story that you just can't put down.

It is pretty slow to start with but it picks up so give it a few chapters before you put it down.

The characters are kind of hard to like but that will change mid way in to the book, you then get a feel for them and what they are going through. I could not put the book down once I came to like the characters.

I gave this book 4 stars and I hope that you will give it a try.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Friday, March 13, 2015

When Anna König first meets Bairn, the Scottish ship carpenter of the Charming Nancy, their encounter is anything but pleasant. Anna is on the ship only to ensure the safe arrival of her loved ones to the New World. Hardened by years of living at sea, Bairn resents toting these naïve farmers--dubbed "Peculiars" by deckhands--across the ocean. As delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions afflict crew and passengers alike, Bairn finds himself drawn to Anna's serene nature. For her part, Anna can't seem to stay below deck and far away from the aloof ship's carpenter, despite warnings.When an act of sacrifice leaves Anna in a perilous situation, Bairn discovers he may not have left his faith as firmly in the past as he thought. But has the revelation come too late?Amish fiction favorite Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her fans back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing as seen through the eyes of a devout young woman and an irreverent man. Blending the worlds of Amish and historical fiction, Fisher is sure to delight her longtime fans even as she attracts new ones with her superb and always surprise-filled writing.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Historical fiction, this was new for author Suzanne Fisher, I am happy to say I enjoyed it, but not as much as her contemporary Amish fiction which I LOVE.

The characters and the story line were very will rounded and interesting. It was just not a regular Amish fiction book you are use to by this author, but if your a fan of historical fiction I bet you will love this one. In true Suzanne Fisher fashion she brought the characters to life on every page.

I gave this book 4 stars.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

A young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she’s pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in the beloved New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini-vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she’s happy because she’s away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona’s real joy is in being away from her fiancé.

Edmund is a good man, and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her-and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kauffman, Leona’s faced with two vastly different futures.

Leona must decide: Does she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her?

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

I hated seeing this book come to an end. I wanted to savor every page, it was way to short for me.

I am awaiting the next book in this series because I am about to die to find out what happens to the Orange Blossom Inn and I need to know what happens to the characters Zach and Leona.

This is such a fantastic story, you go from Ohio to Florida and you are going to love what happens when you get to Florida. The best two weeks ever.

I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Everyone has felt stuck at some point in life. Our inertia is gone, momentum is wiped out, and life trudges on devoid of passion. But God has so much more than this planned for his daughters. With passion and enthusiasm, Pat Layton invites women to imagine their world unstuck--a place where they feel at peace with the past, find purpose in the present, and revel in the possibilities that the future holds. With her rousing Unstuck Manifesto, she delves deep into the areas readers get stuck in the most--relationships, finances, ministry, career, and more--and, with the Scriptures as her guide, unveils the path to positive forward movement.

Pat Layton, founder and president of Life Impact Network and is a busy speaker, author, and life coach specializing in "dream design" for women. She is founder of "Imagine Me . . . Redeemed, Restored, Renewed . . . Set Free," a national women's conference, and the author of A Life Surrendered. She and her husband, Mike, have three children and five grandchildren.

I want to say this is by far the most encouraging and inspiring and riveting book I have read this year.

I have been stuck so many times in my life it's not even funny. After reading Life Unstuck maybe I can get unstuck and live the live God wants me to live.

I love the personal stories that Pat tells in each chapter she is such an inspiration to me.

This is a life changing book written by a lady who truly cares.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

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About Me

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life I LOVE to get away in a super book. I love to cook and bake and spend time with my friends. I have the best Yorkies in the world, they love to lay with me while I am reading. The Lord is everything to me.I have an awesome husband! A small fact about me: I never leave home without a book!
Come on in and sit down with me and lets talk about books and have a virtual cup of tea together.